Arduino Support for lighting [done v5.26]

I've recently got back into slot car racing which is proving a great experience.

I've bought a Scalextric Digital Setup, with both PBPro and PitStop Pro too.

Therefore I have pitlane detection and everything seems to work great.

The only thing for me really which is really missing is a proper start gantry.

I know this is possible to do with the Phidget's interface, but I was wondering as an alternative we could add support for the Arduino.

http://www.arduino.cc/

I would imagine it would be very simple to do. The arduino would connect to your USB port, using a virtual COM Port. From Pc Lap Counter, it would just need to send codes down the virtual serial port. An Arduino would then be programmed to respond appropriately.

I think the program for the arduino would be very simple, so simple even I might be able to do it :-) The Arduino is a great platform, comes in various formats, and can be cheap enough to consider building one into a start gantry on it's own. There are also various alterternatives such as Freeduino